Treatments for vulvar cancer

Your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. The plan is based on your health and specific information about the cancer. What you want is also important when planning treatment. When deciding which treatments to offer for vulvar cancer, your healthcare team will consider:

  • the stage
  • if the cancer has spread to any lymph nodes
  • the size and location of the tumour
  • the type of tumour
  • your age
  • your personal preferences and overall health

Surgery is the main treatment for vulvar cancer. Radiation therapy and chemoradiation are often used to treat vulvar cancer.

Treatments for stages 1 and 2 vulvar cancer

Stage 1 and stage 2 vulvar cancer are often treated with surgery. Radiation therapy may also be used.

Treatments for stage 3 vulvar cancer

Stage 3 vulvar cancer is usually treated with surgery and chemoradiation.

Treatments for stage 4 vulvar cancer

Stage 4 vulvar cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Treatments for recurrent vulvar cancer

Recurrent vulvar cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Surgery for vulvar cancer

Surgery is a medical procedure to examine, remove or repair tissue. Vulvar cancer is often treated with surgery.

Radiation therapy for vulvar cancer

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Vulvar cancer is often treated with radiation therapy and chemoradiation.

Chemotherapy for vulvar cancer

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is sometimes used to treat vulvar cancer. It is most often used with radiation therapy.

Targeted therapy for vulvar cancer

Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on cancer cells. Vulvar cancer is sometimes treated with targeted therapy.

Immunotherapy for vulvar cancer

Vulvar cancer is sometimes treated with immunotherapy. It helps strengthen the immune system to fight cancer.

Follow-up after treatment for vulvar cancer

Follow-up is an important part of care for vulvar cancer. It often involves regular tests and visits with the healthcare team.

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